There is a large sign on the southwest corner of the intersection of Nifong Boulevard and Bethel Street that reads “Future Home of Columbia Hope Church.” When the future will become the present for this congregation is still unknown.

As of now, there are no building plans on the eight acres of land, which the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri owns. Columbia Hope Church is temporarily located on John Garry Drive next to Smokin’ Chicks BBQ and It’s A Grind Coffee House.

“We want to focus on building our congregation for now,” the Rev. Heather Morgan said.

The congregation ranges from small children around age 3, up to people in their 90s, but the fastest growing demographic is families with young children. The church focuses on children ages 3 to 12 with the Godly Play program on Wednesdays. The program gives children an opportunity to learn about and respond to Bible stories. The congregation, which started in February 2009, has about 44 attendees at Sunday services, Morgan said.